Today is the day to remember Martin Luther King Jr, and how better through the music his message inspired ? What the music shows — from Aretha Franklin to Stevie Wonder, to rappers like Common, to house music DJs to U2 — is that that message has influenced all age groups, all genres, and of course, all colors. That successive generations of musicians continues to find inspiration in MLK’s words is testament to their endurance and relevance. Truth begets passion, and these musicians have been made passionate by the verity of MLK’s example. Paraphrasing George Clinton, another African-American revolutionary, free the mind and the rest will follow… So let freedom ring out of your speakers today, in honor of one of America’s truly great individuals – respect !

Painting above by the Heavyweight crew

Stevie Wonder: Happy Birthday tribute at Dream Concert:

Aretha Franklin:

Common, “A Dream”:

U2 “MLK”:

U2 “Pride (In The Name Of Love)”:

Mr. Fingers “Can You Feel It” Featuring Martin Luther King:

Nina Simone:

Classic house mix by Tommie Sunshine featuring Martin Luther King speech :
listen here and download on Jan 22